M^ 


il9^* 


?Mi»^ 


'i 


r^^ 


^^^ 


^"-^S^..   5 


^-         /•>!)»•  >' 


If 


DISCOURSE, 

ON    THE 

DIGNITY  AND  EXCELLENCE 

OF    THE 

HUMAN     CHARACTER; 
ILLUSTRATED 

IN   THE  LIFE  OF      . 

(general  ([George  lEaftinston, 

LATE   COMMANDER   OF   THE  ARMIES,  AND  PRESIDENT 
OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

IN  Commemoratton  of 

THE  AFFLICTIVE  EVENT  OF  HIS  DEATH. 

DELIVERED     FEBRUARY  22,   1 80O,     IN    THE 

BENEVOLENT  CONGREGATIONAL  CHURCH  IN  PROVIDENCE; 

And  Publiftied  by  Requeft  of  that  Society. 


BY   ENOS  HITCHCOCK,  d.  d. 

MEMBER    OF  THE   SOCIETr  OF  THE    CINCINNATI. 

—————11 

"  Know  ye  not  that  there  is  a  Prince  and  a  great  Man  fallen  this  day  in  Ifrael  ?'* 

Dav  id. 
**  Mofes  died  ;  and  the  children  of  Ifrael  wept  for  Mofcs  thirty  days." 

Deuteronomy. 


PROVIDENCE : 
Printed   by     JOHNCARTER,     JUN, 

1800. 


^  ^' 


A     DISCOURSE,     &c, 

2d  Samuel,  i.   19  and  27. 

Tub    BiAUTy    OF  Israel   is   slain  uron  thy  high  places: 

HOW     ARE    THE    MIGHTY    FALLEN   ! 

How    ARE    THE    MIGHTY     FALLEN,    AND    THE    WEAPONS    OF    V/ AK 
rSRISHED ! 

±  HE  natal  day  of  the  Father  op  his 
Country  has  once  more  occurred;  but  it  no 
longer  brings  with  it  the  wonted  joy  and  feftivi- 
ty  of  the  feafon.  The  harps  are  hung  upon  the 
weeping  willows;  the  cheerful  fong  converted 
into  a  folemn  dirge.  Death,  by  a  fudden  and 
awful  ftroke,  has  deprived  our  nation  of  its  beau- 
ty and  glory,  and  the  world  of  its  greateft  or- 
nament. Prompted  by  our  own  feelings,  and  a 
conviftion  of  duty,  +  we  delayed  not  to  lament 
the  eventful  crifis  of  human  frailty,  by  fuitable 
tokens  and  expreflions  of  fenfibility  and  forrow. 
Our  temples  were  Ihrouded  in  black,  and  our 
pulpits  were  vocal  in  his  praife.  Our  nation 
^his   day  afTembles,  in  obedience  to  the  procla- 

t  See  note  (A)  in  the  Appendix. 


mation  of  his  corn-patriot,  our  illuftrious  Prefi- 
dent,  to  pay,  in  unifon.  the  laft  public  office 
of  mournful  refpe6l  to  the  memory  of  the  mail 
fhe  delighted  to  honour.  In  Ifrael  thirty  days 
of  inceffant  mourning  were  folemnly  pafTcd  oh 
the  death  of  Mofes,  their  lawgiver  and  leader; 
and  we  are  told,  that  in  Rome,  badges  of  mourn- 
ing were  worn  J  a  whole  year  after  the  death  of 
fome  of  their  favourite  chieftains.  The  event 
we  have  this  day  affembled  to  deplore  is  not 
merely  a  death — it  is  the  departure  of  a  Wash- 
ington !  The  tear  of  afFeQion  and  gratitude 
fpontaneoufly  flows.  The  involuntary  figh  heaves 
the  patriot  breaft,  and  pours  the  full  tide  of 
grief  at  the  urn  of  its  father  and  friend  :  and 
in  fuch  grief  there  is  a  luxury  unknown  to  fordid 
minds. 

Patriotism  mourns  the  lofs  of  her  firft-born 
fon.  Our  country  laments  the  lofs  of  fo  much 
amiablenefs  of  difpofition  and  chara61er — of  fo 
much  mi^ht  and  valour,  which  gave  ftrength 
and  (lability  to  the  ftatc.  But  let  us  not  lofe 
in  unavailing  forrow  the  rational  and  moral  im- 
provement to  be  derived  from  fo  aflli^live  a  dif- 
penfaiion  of  Divine  Providence. 

To  this  end  I  have  placed  David  at  the  head 
of  this  difcourfc,  bewailing  the  fall  of  Saul  and 
Jonathan. 

^  i>ee  f.tfe  (B)  in  ibi  At>f>titil\. 


7 

It  will  not  be  neceffary  to  enquire  into  the 
conne6led  narrative  of  tranfaclions  which  pro- 
duced the  event  he  fo  deeply  laments,  and  in 
fuch  pathetic  language  calls  on  the  people  to 
memorize.  '*  The  beauty  of  Ifrael  is  flain ; 
how  are  the  mighty  fallen  !'*  and  dwelling  on 
the  amiablenefs  of  the  one,  and  the  valour  of 
the  other,  he  exclaims  again  and  again,  "  How 
are  the  mighty  fallen,  and  the  weapons  of  war 
periflied  !*'  The  terms,  "  beauty'*  and  "  mighty," 
may  be  confidcred  as  exprefling  the  native  good- 
nefs  of  difpofition,  and  the  amiable  virtues  of 
the  life ;  great  natural  energy  of  mind ;  a  genius 
ready  at  acquiring  knowledge,  and  at  difcerning 
the  fitteft  application  of  it;  a  fpirit  bold,  a6live 
and  enterprizing;  a  mind  capable  of  great  and 
benevolent  conceptions ;  a  charaQer  formed  by 
noble  exertions  and  heroic  deeds.  To  lament 
fallen  greatnefs  is  but  a  natural  expreflion  of 
fympathy  at  beholding  the  fplendid  ruins  of  hu- 
man nature  in  her  mofl  ennobled  fons  ;  it  is  a 
di6iate  of  philanthropy,  confidering  the  impor- 
tance of  fuch  characters  to  the  happinefs  of 
fociety. 

A  FEW  thoughts  on  the  true  dignity  and  ex- 
cellence of  charadcr  will  lead  us  to  a  juft  efti- 
mation  of  its  great  worth  and  importance,  and 
to  an  improved  view  of  the  prefcnt  occafion. 


8 

The  power  and  influence  which  charaQers^ 
formed  on  the  bafis  of  real  worth  and  excel- 
lence, give  the  pofleffors  over  the  community  ; 
the  virtue  and  order  which  their  example  flieds 
through  fociety  ;  the  defence  and  protedion 
which  their  exertions  afford  the  ftate,  render 
them  pre-eminent  bleflings  to  the  world,  and 
make  them  the  jufl:  objeQs  of  efteem  and  vene- 
ration while  living,  and  of  fincere  regret,  but 
of  grateful  memory,  when  the  Supreme  Ruler 
of  the  world  fees  fit  to  take  them  out  of  it.  On 
the  theatre  of  this  world  there  is  a  field  opened 
wide  and  extenfive  for  the  exercife  of  genius, 
and  the  exertion  of  all  the  powers  of  man,  either 
in  the  cabinet  of  national  councils,  or  in  the  field 
of  national  defence  ;  in  the  advancement  of  fci- 
cncc  and  the  arts,  or  in  the  improvements  of 
civilized  and  fecular  life  ;  befides  the  difcharge 
of  the  more  private  offices  of  friendfhip,  and 
of  domcftic  obligation. 

As  to  the  public  and  extenfive  fervices  ta 
which  men,  formed  by  nature  to  high  elevation 
of  charaQer,  are  called  for  the  good  of  their 
country,  we  know,  and  the  world  knows,  their 
great  importance  and  ufefulnefs.  Government, 
in  the  prefcnt  flate  of  things,  is  neccffary  to  the 
exiflence  of  fociety  ;  and  military  flcill  and  prow- 
cfs,   with    "  weapons  of  war,**  are  requifitc  far 


9 

the  eftablifliment  of  civil  rights,  and  defence  of 
civil  order.  How  happy  that  country,  whofe 
deftinics,  requiring  the  wifdom  of  patriotic  poli- 
cy, and  the  energy  of  the  intrepid  warrior,  gives 
birth  to  the  paragon  in  whoni  both  completely 
center!  Highly  as  the  circling  fpheres  blefs  the 
natural  world,  by  the  regular  operation  of  their 
eftablifhed  laws,  does  the  union  of  thefe  qualities 
refleft  their  bleflings  on  the  political  fyftem.  It 
conftitutes  *•  the  beauty"  of  pur  country,  on  ac- 
count of  native  excellence  ;  and  '^  the  mighty,*' 
on  account  of  pre-eminence  of  character  among 
the  great. 

Civil  inftitutions  run  parallel  to  the  formation 
of  fociety.  Neither  a  fenfe  of  religion,  nor  a 
perception  of  moral  obligation,  has  been  found 
fufficiently  powerful  in  any  age,  to  preferve  un 
difturbed  peace  at  home;  much  lefs  to  check 
the  encroaching  fpirit  of  ambition  or  avarice 
from  abroad.  Hence  arifes  the  neceffity  of  re- 
ftraints  from  civil  law,  to  curb  the  licentious  and 
unprincipled;  and  of  military  force  for  defence. 
Hence  alfo  the  neceffity  of  great  political  and 
military  talents,  adapted  to  meet  the  exigencies 
of  the  times.  Nor  has  Divine  Providence  been 
unmindful  of  this.  But  in  every  age  it  has  raifed 
up  thofe  whofe  abilities  enabled  them  to  be  emi- 
nently ufcful  in  tjieir  day.  Mod  opprefTed  na- 
B 


lO 

tions  have  been  favoured  with  fome  patriotic  de-^ 
liverer.  In  Ifrael  a  Mofes  was  laifcd  u\.  to  de- 
liver, and  a  Jofliua  to  lead  the  people  ;  in  Rome 
a  Camillus;  in  Greece  a  Leonidas  ;  in  Sweden  a 
Guftavus ;  and  in  England  a  Hampden,  a  RHTiel, 
a  Sydney.  Thefe  were  fuccefsful  in  prclerving 
and  defending  the  (late.  But  vho  of  them,  like  a 
Washington,  formed  and  eftablifhed  an  empire? 

The  dignity  of  the  human  charaQer  does  not 
confift  merely  in  the  pofTefTion  or  exertion  of 
great  talents. 

It 'is  not  the  adventitious  circumftance  of  ci- 
vil diftinBion,  military  honours,  or  opulent 
conditions,  that  gives  a  title  to  it.  There  are  in- 
ftances,  not  a  few,  of  commanding  genius,  of 
vaft  mental  refource,  and  of  great  and  brilliant 
deeds,  all  ftained  with  the  mod  peftiferous  crimes : 
a  heart  black  as  midnight  darknefs,  with  a  head 
luminous  as  the  midday  fun.  Deeds  that  would 
do  honour  to  the  greateft.  and  aftions  that  would 
difgrace  the  meanelt  of  men,  fometimes  conflitutc 
the  mixed  fhades  of  the  fame  chara8er.  Can  fuch 
an  unhallowed  mixture  conftvtute  dignity  or  ex- 
cellence of  charafter  ?  Surely  riot.  We  may  ad- 
mire the  hero,  but  we  defpifc  th<;  man. 

True  worth  and  greatnefs  of  chara6ler  is 
formed  by  the  union  of  the   hg.id  and  heart  a6l- 


11 


ingin  concert;  in  upright  principles,  direQing 
the  judgment  and  controuling  the  ftrong  arm  of 
poAvcr ;  in  the  fear  of  God,  ever  guiding  to  a  due 
regard  to  man.  Atluated  by  thefe  principles, 
the  charader  will  not  be  ftained  by  the  afpirings 
of  unhallowed  ambition;  but  will  gather  beauty 
and  luftre  from  opportunities  for  great  and  bene- 
volent adions;  and  the  more  the  motives  of  ac- 
tion  are  examined,  the  more  clofely  the  charafter 
is  fcanned,  the  fairer  will  they  appear. 

The  providence  of  God  calls  fome  men  to  a6t 
in    high   ftations,    and  the   circumftances  ©f  the 
public  require  ail  their   energies,  either  to  form 
or  adminifter  government,  or  defend  the  ftatc, 
Thefe  are  like  a  city  placed  on  a  hill.     The  light 
of  their  example,  or  the  blacknefs  of  their  charac- 
ter, becomes  confpicuous  in  proportion  to  their 
elevation;  and   every  private  ftation  becomes  a 
poft  of  honour,  when  honourably  filled.     The  ef- 
feds   of  example  are  great  in  a  private  flation— 
more  fo  in  the  domeRic  ftate.     How  important 
then  the  duty,  and  how  great  the  bleffings  reflea- 
ed  on  fociety,  by  the  good  and  virtuous  example 
of  thofe  who  are  rendered   eminent  by  high  fta- 
tions, and  the   atchievement   of  glorious  deeds? 
Such    fervices  are  peculiarly  graced,  and  derive 
fupreme  worth  from  that  excellence  of  charaQer 
which  perfumes  the  moft  amiable,  and  adds  luftre 
to  the  moft  illuftrious.     Not  fo  much  could  the 


12 

dew  of  Vcr7ien's  fertile  mount,  defcending  on 
"the  elevated  lawn,*'{  enrich  the  plains  below; 
not  fo  much  could  the  clear  fhining  after  rain 
refrefh  the  tender  grafs,  as  this  moral  excellence 
of  character  blefs  the  land,  by  extending  it$  inflq- 
ciice  from  north  to  fouth. 

Wfi  are  here  reminded  of  a  circunidance  that 
damps  the  ufual  joys  of  this  day. 

"The  beauty  of  Ifrael  is  flain;  how  are  the 
mighty  fallen!"  No  chara61er  fo  good,  no  man 
fo  great,  but  he  mufl  fall  by  the  hand  of  death. 
Proftrate  in  the  duft  all  human  glory  muft  be 
laid.  Defcended  from  the  fame  original  llock, 
all  mankind  are  defined  to  the  fame  end.  The 
fentcnce  of — '*  Vujl  to  dujl  " — is  univerfal  upon 
our.  race.  In  this  warfare  there  is  no  difcharge  ; 
in  the  grave  no  dillinBion.  In  the  rcpofitory  of 
tlie  dead  we  behold  a  mixed  multitude,  of  all  ages, 
conditions  iind  charaBers ;  the  aged  and  the 
young,  the  rich  and  the  poor,  the  hero  and  the 
coward,  the  public  magiflratc  and  the  private  citi- 
zen, the  pious  chriftian  and  the  impious  ofTcnder, 
who  have  promifcuoufly  fallen  before  all-conquer- 
ing death.  Such  are  the  ravages  death  is  con^ 
ftantly  making  upon  our  race  !  , 

^  Ste  jyjtt  (C)  in  ibc  ^pf><rJix. 


il 

The  trjuth  of  thcfe  obfervations  is  verified  in 
the  affliaing  inftance  of  the  fall  of  the  glory, 
ftrength  and  boaft  of  our  country. 

y^s,  the  princely  foul  of  our  beloved  Wash- 
ington has  taken  its  flight!  He  is  no  longer 
difturbed  by  the  concuffions  of  our  jarring  ele- 
ments. The  heavens  open  wide  their  huge  por- 
tals to  receive  his  pure  and  ennobled  fpirit ;  an- 
gels hail  him  welcome  to  his  native  feat ;  the  im- 
menfe  temple  of  God  becomes  the  place  of  his 
refidence  forever.  He  has  ceafed  from  his  la- 
bours, but  his  works  will  long  live.  The  in- 
fcription  on  the  lofty  marble  will  for  a  long  time 
inform  the  inquifitive  traveller — Here  lies  the 
venerable  chief — ^*  Firjl  in  war,  JirJIinfieace,  and 
Jirjl  in  the  hearts  of  his  countrymen,'*  The  mo- 
numental infcription  fliall  mouldering  time  ef- 
face ;  but  his  heroic  and  benevolent  deeds  are 
recorded  on  the  tablet  of  the  heart.  While 
man  lives,  they  will  live  ;  fo  long  as  virtue  has  a 
name,  they  will  be  admired.  Yea,  his  juftly  ac- 
quired fame  fiiall  furvive  the  wreck  of  nature  ; 
and  wreaths  of  glory  crown  his  head,  when  time 
(hall  be  no  more. 

The  hiftorian  will  attempt  a  difplay  of  his 
virtues  by  a  detail  of  his  great  tranfaQions  ;  the 
poet  will  celebrate  his  name  in  polifhcd  and  har- 
monic periods  ;  he  will  aflemble  the  worthies  of 


14 

ancient  and  modern  times,  and  by  all  the  arts  of 
playful  imagination  faintly  pourtray  a  Washing- 
ton. The  painter  and  the  fculptor  will  employ 
all  their  art  to  eternize  his  noble  form,  and  ma- 
jeftic  mein,  but  can  never  fully  exprefs  the  cha- 
raQereftic  virtues  which  were  enthroned  on  his 
brow.  The  eulogift  will  rack  his  invention  to 
bellow  merited  panegyric  on  a  character  whofe 
depth  it  cannot  fathom — language  will  refufe 
her  aid,  and  eulogy  itfelf  grow  faint  upon  his 
tongue. 

But  to  record  his  virtues  in  our  hearts,  and 
tranfmit  his  name,  with  veneration,  to  your 
children,  is  the  claim  of  gratitude  ;  andbyraifing 
a  fpirit  of  emulation,  may  be  ufeful. 

Every  thing  refpcciing  this  illuftrious  man  is 
now  become  important.  The  very  name  of 
Washington  is  dear  to  us.  The  higheft  eulo- 
gium  we  could  poflibly  bcflow,  would  be  a  cor- 
real account  of  his  life  and  tranfaftions.  Here 
again  we  mud  fail,  and  fatisfy  ourfclvcs  with  a 
few  of  the  outlines  of  a  portrait  which,  if  filled  up 
with  plain  faBs,  would  prefcnt  it  in  a  tranfcend- 
ent  attitude. — General  Washington  was  born 
of  refpeQable  parents,  in  Virginia,  on  the  twenty- 
fccond  day  of  February,  one  thoufand  feven 
hundred  and  thirty-two.  His  education  was  not 
in  the  academic  forums;  but  his  native  powers, 


il 

improved  by  clofe  application  under  a  private 
tutor,  foon  gave  him  a  refpeaable  ftation  among 
the  arts  and  fciences  ;  and  univerfities  of  the  firft 
rank  in  Europe  and  America  have  long  deemed  it 
an  honour  to  have  his  name  enrolled  in  their  lift 
of  literary  titles.  Indeed,  his  letters  and  other 
compofitions,  both  political  and  military,  afFord 
the  beft  comment  on  his  literary  acquirements. 
He  appears  to  have  early  imbibed  the  principles 
of  religion.  That  he  was  nurtured  in  the  habits 
of  virtue,  appears  from  their  attending  him 
through  all  the  public  and  private  walks  of  life. 
He  never  loft  the  refpea  of  the  fon,*  in  the  eleva- 
tion of  the  commander  in  chief.  Nor  did  patri- 
otifm  diminifti  his  connubial  and  domeftic  aflPec- 
tion.  Amiable  in  the  difcharge  of  thefe  duties, 
he  never  for  a  moment  loft  fight  of  thofe  ties  that 
conferred  the  obligation  upon  him. 

Early  habits  of  a  virtuous  tendency,  an  ear- 
ly acquaintance  with  the  principles  of  religion, 
and  the  cxercifes  of  piety,  form  the  ftrongeft  bar- 
riers  againft  vice  in  youth.  They  lay  the  fureft 
foundation  for  honour  and  ufefulnefs  in  life, 
refpea  in  age,  and  comfort  in  death.  A  life  com- 
menced with  fuch  principles  and  habits,  a  youth 
of  fuch  fobriety,  fidelity  and  filial  refpea,  indi- 
cates  a  charaaer  to  be  diftinguiftied  afterwards 
by  worthy  deeds;  a  career  of  glory,  fupported 
and  adorned  by  moral  excellence,   ^vhich   fhall 

•  See  nott  (B)  in  the  Apfendix. 


i6 

end  in  an  age  of  tranquility  and  comfort.  In  this 
inftance  we  are  not  difappointed.  We  behold 
the  happy  clofe  of  a  life,  which  had  been  render- 
ed glorious  by  the  union  of  virtue  and  talents, 
fliining  with  undiminifhed  luftre.  In  whom  has 
the  virtue  of  the  youth,  the  magnanimity  of  the 
foldier,  the  pure  zeal  of  the  patriot  and  the  chrif- 
tian^  ever  appeared  with  fo  much  grace  and  dig- 
nity, as  in  him  to  whom  we  this  day  wifli  to  affign 
a  juft  tribute  of  rcfpeft  ? 

In  a  found  body  dwelt  a  founder  mind;  the 
latter  improved  by  clofe  application  in  youth; 
the  former  by  athletic  exercifes.  His  judgment, 
ever  a  prominent  feature  in  his  chara6lcr,  ripen- 
ed at  an  imniaturc  age  info  the  able  negociator  ;* 
and  his  bold  and  enterprizing  fpirit,  features  no 
lefs  prominent,  into  the  hardihood  of  the  veteran 
foldicr  ;  and  at  the  age  of  twenty  he  gained  the 
meridian  of  ordinary  life.  The  weftern  tribes  of 
Indians,  the  French  commander  at  Fort  Du 
Qucfne,  and  the  unfortunate  Britifh  army  in  the 
gorges  of  the  Monongahela,  all  experienced  in 
turn  his  uncommon  addrefs  in  managing  a  treatv, 
or  in  covering  the  retreat  of  a  fhattered  army  in 
thofevafl  wilds,  ere  twenty-five  years  had  rolled 
over  him.  Already  had  the  government  of  Vir- 
ginia committed  high  betruflmcnls  to  him.  /\1- 
ready  had  he  given  llrong  proofs  of  his  piety  ;J^as 

•  See  nett  (  EJ  In  tit  4kfvul!M.  ^  S<t  n«te  f  FJ  in  the  Af/^enJlx. 


^eli  as  of  his  patriotifm  and  valour.  He  contU 
nued  to  juftify  their  confidence,  and  they  to  eX- 
prefs  their  full  fenfe  of  it.  Thus  honoured  in  his 
own  country  ;  thus  efleemed  among  kindred  ci- 
lizens,  how  clear  his  title  to  that  honour  and  ef- 
teem  !  What  then  muft  have  been  their  regret, 
when  his  health,  impaired  by  the  rigour  of  fervice 
and  fevere  fatigue,  rendered  it  neceffary  for  him 
to  retire  from  the  fervice,  in  feventeen  hundred 
fifty-nine  ? 

FRONi  this    time  to  the  year  feventy-five,  V/e 
may  perhaps    moft    properly  view   him    as   the 
American  farmer,  though  employed  in  various 
public  offices,  befides  a  feat  in  the  Legiflature. 
Situated  on  the  fummit  of  the  very  high   ground 
called  Moimt^Vernon^*  he  converts  that  beautiful 
fpot  into  a  prolific  garden,  variegated  into  a  moft 
enchanting   fcenery.     The  arts  of  peace  are  Icfs 
fplendid,  but  more  ilfeful  than  thofe  of  war.     By 
agricultural  arts  and  improvements  he  rendered 
an  extenfive  plantation  a  fource  of  wealth  to  him- 
felf,  and  of  inftru6lion  to  others.     This  favour- 
ite fpot  now  became  more  dear  than  ever,  by  a 
happy   connubial  union  with  the  amiable  and  ac-» 
complifhed   Mrs.   Custis,    the    affiduous  fharer 
of  all  his  future  anxieties,  as  well  as   partner  of 
his  joys.     Domeftic    and  agricultural    concern* 

*  See  Hate  (G)  in  the  Affendix, 

c 


now  unite  their  friendly  beams  to  fpeed  his  way 
in  thole  deJightful  purfuits. 

Im  feventy-four,  we  find  hinn  among  the  aflcm- 
bled  worthies  and  patriots  at  Philadelphia.  The 
portentous  cloud  hangs  over  the  land — it  is 
fraught  with  ire.  Soon  does  the  lightening  flaih 
from  beneath  the  dark  curdling  carr  that  bears 
death  and  deftruftion  to  all  hopes  of  reconcilia- 
tion with  a  parent  country.  Already  pofleired 
of  the  metropolis  of  MafTachufetts,  they  iflue 
forth,  and  on  the  ever-memorable  nineteenth  of 
April,  feventy-five,  Lexington  and  Concord  pre- 
fent  the  raalancholy  vifage  of  flaughtered  citi- 
zens. With  eagernefs  our  patriotic  yeomanry 
rufti  to  the  encrimfoned  fieW.  But  what  is  ahoft 
without  a  head  ?  Whither,  O  whither  fhall  we 
turn,  to  find  a  leader  whofe  powers  fliall  jullify 
the  hope  of  fuccefsful  refiflancc  ?  Behold,  in  the 
midft  of  our  patriot  band  one  appears — 

*'  Toto  vertice  fupirejl,'* 

"  A  whole  head  above  the  lefl." 

Ir  is  a  Washington  !  He  is  unanimoufly 
cledcd  Commandtr  in  Chief  of  the  armies  to  he 
raifedfor  the  defence  of  the  country,  *•  It  is  per- 
haps his  peculiar  glory,  that  there  was  not  a  Tin- 
gle inhabitant  of  thefe  States,  except  himfelf,  who 
did  not  approve  the  choice,  and  place  the  firmeil 


confidence  in  his  integrity  and  abilities."  But 
his  native  modelly  induced  him  to  exprefs  deep 
apprehenfions  of  his  inability  to  perfarm  the  mo- 
1i>€^ntous  duties  \vbichTuch  a  truft  devolved  up- 
on him.  Obedient  to  his  country's  call,  he  eviii- 
ced  the  motives  of  his  acceptance  to  be  neither 
mercenary  nor  vain,  by  declining  any  compenfa- 
tion  for  perfonal  fervices. 

Bidding  adieu  to  his  compatriots  in  the  great 
council  of  the  nation,  he  betakes  himfelf  to  the 
field,  \vhere  his  abilities  are  more  needed.  The 
refpeftful  gratulations  of  all  claffes*  of  people, 
as  he  paflfed  the  country;  thejoy  and  exultation 
of  the  army  on  his  arrival  at  Cambridge,  in  July, 
are  •evincive  of  the  inftinftive  confidence  which 
his  name  infpired.  How  well  qualified  he  was 
to  take  the  command  of  an  undifciplined,  unpro- 
vided  army,  to  reduce  them  to  order,  and  to 
withftand  as  large  and  well  appointed  an  army  as 
perhaps  was  ever  fent  out  of  Europe,  command- 
ed by  able  and  experienced  officers,  the  event 
has  proved.  His  unimpeached  condu6l  during 
an  eight  years  war,  attended  with  the  moft  trying 
circumftances,  is  an  eulogium  that  can  receive 
no  addition,  unlefs  it  be  from  the  uniform  and  in- 
vincible attachment  of  the  officers  and  foldicrs 
of  his  army  to  his  pcrfon  during  that  period. 

•  See  note  [H)  in  the  Apptndlx. 


Though  not  verfed  in  the  art  military,  like 
bis  foes,  yet  they  vere  foon  taught  to  refpe^t 
his  judgment  and  fear  his  power;  and  what  was 
wanting  in  force,  was  fupplied  by  policy.  His 
unwearied  induftry,  his  uncommon  method  and 
cxa6lnefs,  which  gained  him  the  refpeft  and  con- 
fidence of  his  own  army,  rendered  him  formida- 
ble to  that  of  his  enemies.  His  filent,  but  eafy 
manner  of  doing  bufinefs  ;  his  referve,  void  of 
all  haughty  fupercilioufnefs  )  his  quick  difcern- 
ment  of  every  charaftcr,  and  of  every  fubjcft 
that  was  prefented  to  him  ;  his  firm  and  undevia- 
ting  purpofe,  executed  with  moderation  ant* 
humanity,  qualified  him  in  the  bed  manner  fo- 
the  cqmmand  of  a  republican  army,  How  ofter 
the  abqve  qqalitips  were  ufefully  difplayed  du- 
ring the  ftruggle  for  freedom,  and  how  much 
the  country  is  indebted  for  them,  is  beft  knowr 
to  thofe  veterans  to  whom  he  often  expreffed  hi^ 
thanks  for  their  eflential  fervices,  becaufe  they 
had  tjic  nioft  opportunity  of  obferving  them. 

Besides  the  great  and  heroic  a6lions  that 
came  to  public  view,  thofe  worthy  fons  whc 
followed  their  leader  will  recollect  many  of  the 
innumerable  virtues  of  the  heart  which  tranfpi- 
red  in  the  more  private  tranfaBions.  They  will 
tcflify  to  the  kind,  humane  and  aflfeBionate  con- 
du^   l^e    always   obfcrved    towards   the    army; 


Mi 


how   careful   to   cherifli  life,  where  an   impofing 
policy  did  not  abfolutely   require  the   contrary. 
They  will  neverforget  the  deep  impreffion  which 
thefe qualities  made  on  them;  while  the  irrfjijli^ 
hie  majefly    of  his  prefence*  quelled  the  riotous, 
and  reduced  the  refraaory  to  order.     His  coun- 
try's caufe  is  now  all  his  own.     Never  for  a  mo- 
ment did  he  flinch  from  danger,   or  attempt  to 
(hield  himfelf  from  being  a  confpicuous  mark 
for  his   foes,  though  expofed  to  the  ten  thoufand 
invifible  meffengers  of  death,  from  the  favage  am- 
bufli  which  routed  one  Britifh  army  on  the  Mo- 
nongahela,   to  the  capture  of  another  at  York- 
town.     Amidft   all  thefe,  and  from  the  afTaffin's 
dagger,t  Divine  Providence  remarkably  preferv- 
ed  him,  till  its  high  purpofes  were  accomplifhed 
in  him.     On  his  arrival  at  Cambridge,  he  found 
that  the  zeal  of  the  country,  and  not  its  ftrength 
in  arms    or  amunition,  held   the  city  befieged. 
He  applies  immediately  to  organizing  the  army, 
and  providing  military  ftores.     Heaven  fmiles.J 
He  fucceeds   in  both.     An    anxious  public  ex- 
pea  an  affault  upon  Bofton,  and  grow  impatient 
for  the  time.     But  to  conquer  by  delay,  and  ex- 
pel by  circumfcribing  his  enemies,  is  a  more  hu- 
mane, and  a  fafer  policy.     They  leave  their  poll 
the  enfuing  March,  to  feek  fomc  more  favoura- 
ble  fpot  forofFenfive  operations.     New-York  is 
Jeleaed  for  the  purpofe.     Here  again  they  meet 

*  See  note  (I)  in  the  Appendix  +  See  note  (K)  in  the  Appendix. 

\  See  note  (L)  in  the  Appendix, 


2% 

a  Wa5hingtom  with  his  army.  The  place  is 
not  tenable.  A  fcene  now  opens  that  brings  to 
the  fevereft  ted  all  the  feelings  of  the  man,  and 
all  the  refoiirces  of  the  general.  Succefs  is  ge- 
nerally accounted  wifdom,  and  the  fplendor  of 
chara8er  is  fought  in  the  fuccefsful  cnterprizes 
of  the  warrior.  But  perhaps  we  fliould  find  the 
moll  fplendid  rays  of  General  Washixgto  n*s 
glory  beaming  from  beneath  the  dark  and  dread- 
ful clouds  of  defeat,  misfortune  and  diftrefs  ;  at- 
tended by  the  (battered  remains  of  a  retreating 
army,  and  unfupported  by  an  inefficient  govern- 
ment. We  know  not  which  moft  to  admire,  his 
caution  or  his  intrepidity,  his  moderation  or  his 
firn-mefs,  his  penetration  in  judgment  or  his 
promptnefs  in  decifion,  his  patience  in  fuifcr- 
ing  or  his  uncxtinguifhable  zeal  and  perfcver- 
ancc  in  the  caufe  of  freedom,  through  years  of 
deep  anxiety,  and  of  unparelleled  trials  and 
difappointmcnts. 

The  fubjc6l  is  now  too  complex  to  be  ana- 
lyzed into  particulars  in  a  fingle  difcourfe. 
Thofc  of  you  who  \vere  then  on  the  flage,  re- 
member the  deep  fhades  that  ovcrfprcad  the 
country;  and  thofe  of  you  who  accompanied  him 
in  his  hair-breadth  cfcapcs  from  Long-Ifland, 
York-Ifland  and  its  environs,  with  the  lofs  of 
Fort-Wafhington  and  its  garrifon,  Fort-Lee  and 


23- 

its  dependencies ;  in  his  retreat  through  the  Jer- 
fies,  purfued  like  a  hunted  hare  by  a  large  and 
viftorious  army,  while  his  own  was  conftantly 
leflening  by  lofles  in  a6lion,  by  ficknefs,  and  ex- 
piration of  cnliftments,  and  the  country  too  far 
deprefled  to  fupport  him. — Thofe  can  befl  con- 
ceive the  true  dignity  of  his  invincible  foul. 
We  are  now  to  view  him  on  the  weflern  margin 
of  the  Delaware,  looking  back  with  indignant  eye 
to  his  purfuers,  at  reft  in  Trenton.  The  inhabitants 
of  the  country  defponding,  fay,  ^'  all  is  now  loft/* 
But  his  heroic  fpirit  never  defpairs.  Opprefl'cd 
^ith  the  weight  of  a  finking  empire,  the  attic 
fire  of  his  breaft  enkindles  afrefh.  He  collefts 
his  little  hardy  band,  deftitute  of  every  comfort ; 
the  fame  fire  flics  through  the  ranks.  They  re- 
folve  to  follow  their  leader  to  viftory  or  to 
death.  In  vain  does  the  rolling  torrent  hurry 
on  the  mafty  fheets  of  ice  upon  its  turbulent  bo- 
fom  ;  in  vain  the  fleety  tempeft  from  the  frozen 
north,  adding  new  horrors  to  the  darknefs  of  De- 
cember's night,  oppofe  the  well  concerted  plan. 
Ere  the  morning  fun  had  enlightened  our  hori- 
zon, twelve  hundred  aftoniflicd  Heftians  yielded 
to  his  conquering  arms.  The  main  body  of  the 
enemy  at  Princeton,  leaving  about  five  hundred, 
move  on  with  hafty  march  to  retrieve  the  loft. 
The  Delaware  in  his  rear,  a  powerful  army 
fraught  with  vindiaivc   rage  in  front,  imnofcd  a 


24 

woeful  dilemma.     But  he  who  could  infpire  tlie 
daring  hardihood  to  refifl:  the  force  of  oppofing 
elements,  knew  how  to  evade  their  grafp,  and  ex- 
tricate his  faithful  adherents  from  the  fatal  ftroke. 
The   fucceeding  night,  leaving  deceptive  fires  to 
lull  the  enemy,  a  circuitous    rout  of  feventeen 
miles  prefented  them  in  their  rear  at   Princeton. 
A  Mercer  nobly  dies  in  the  conteft.     A  Wash- 
ington   placed  himfelf  on  middle  ground  be- 
tween the  conflifting    bodies,  a  mark   for  both. 
His    example  infpired  a  general  ardour.     They 
ru(h  on,  and  another  victory  enfues.     An  inftant 
policy  covers  the  handful  of  invincibles,  who  had 
performed    fuch    wonders,    on     the   heights     of 
Morriftown,  marking    their     way    thither    with 
blood,  for  lack  of  flioes  :   and  an  army  of  eight 
thoufandmen  are   cooped  up  in  New-Brunfw  ick 
during  the  winter,  by  the  (keleton  of  his  own. 

• 
Again,  committing  themfelvcs  to  the  bofont 
of  the  fwelling  ocean,  they  attempt  to  elude  the 
penetration  of  our  Argus  with  his  hundred  eyes ; 
but  in  vain.  Soon  docs  he  meet  them  at  the 
Mead  of  Elk.  Nor  does  the  unfortunate  and  to- 
tal rout  of  his  army  on  the  Brandy  wine,  the  vexa- 
tious difappointment  at  Germantown,  the  lofs  of 
Redbank  and  Mud-Ifland,  after  a  moft  gallant  de- 
fence ;  the  didrefTing  failure  of  fupplies  of  men^ 
provilions  and  cloaihing.nor  the  fadion  railing  its 


^5 

ferpcnt  head  in  Congrefs  to  difplace  him,  nor 
the  imbecility  of  their  relblutions,  fliake  the  firm 
purpofe  of  his  energetic  foul.  With  an  army  ex- 
haufted  by  fatigue,  reduced  by  repeated  adions, 
epidemic  difeafe,  and  more  dreadful  fufferings, 
he  huts  them,  in  the  month  of  December,  in  a 
foreft  at  Valley-Forge,  about  twenty  miles  from 
Philadelphia,  whither  the  whole  Britifh  army  had 
retired  for  more  comfortable  winter  quarters. 
The  diftreffes  of  the  army  at  this  cantonment* 
had  well  nigh  funk  his  manly,  his  compafTiooate 
foul.  We  call  a  mantle  over  this  diftreffing  fcene, 
as  too  painful  for  refleftion. 

Sir  Henry  Clinton  left  Philadelphia  on  the 
June  following;  our  hero  purfued  by  a  circuitous 
march  of  near  one  hundred  and  fifty  miles,  and 
overtook  him  on  the  burning  plains  of  Monmouth. 
A  fevere  battle  enfued,  and  his  vi6lorious  arms 
obliged  him  to  fly  and  feek  (belter  in  New-York. 
Such  was  the  perilous  ftate  of  the  army,  fo  defici- 
ent in  numbers  and  fupplics,  and  Congrefs  per- 
ceiving that  their  refolutions  did  not  contain  en- 
ergy fufficientto  draw  them  forth  from  the  coun- 
try, that  they  entrufted  their  faithful  General  with 
the  power  of  doing  it  himfelf.  "  Maturely  con- 
(idering  the  crifis,  and  having  perfc8:  reliance  in 
his  wifdom,  vigour  and  uprightnefs,"  they  inveft- 
cd  him  with  powers  bordering  on  Diclatorfhipj 

*  See  note  (M)  In  the  Apfend'ix. 

D 


26 

on  the  27th  of  December,  1776;  and  fimilar  refo- 
lutions  were  paded  the  two  following  years. 
This  high  betruftment  of  power  was  never  abuf- 
ed;  but  was  ever  ufed  for  the  bed  purpofes  for 
\vhichit  was  given.  Such  was  the  confidence  of  his 
country  in  him  !  Such  his  integrity  in  the  ufe  of  it ! 

During  the  above  gloomy  period,  when  the 
boldeft  heart  needed  fupport  from  fome  quarter, 
it  was  opprefTed  by  the  reiterated  defeats  in  Ca- 
nada, with  the  lofs  of  Generals  Montgomery 
and  Thomas  ;  the  deftruBion  of  a  fleet  on  Lake 
Champlain  ;  the  pofTeflion  of  Rhode-Ifland  by  the 
enemy  ;  the  evacuation  of  Ticonderoga,  and  the 
-wanton  devaftations  of  Vaughan,  on  the  North- 
River.  PrcfTed  by  the  fortuitous  concufTion  of 
events  on  every  fide,  he  fends  General  Gates 
to  retrieve  the  northern  department.  He  fuc- 
ceeds,  and  Burgoyne  with  his  army  furrenders. 
He  projefts,  with  indefatig-ible  attention,  an  at- 
tack on  Stoney-Point,  which,  with  Verplank's- 
Point,  had  yielded  to  the  enemy  :  the  deep  laid 
plan  fuccecds,  and  the  garrifon  laid  down  their 
arms.  General  Lincoln  is  Tent  toprote61  Charlcf- 
ton,  but  furrenders  to  a  beficging  army  vaft- 
ly  fuperior  to  his  own.  He  fends  General 
Greene  to  retrieve  the  difaflcr  at  Cambdcn.  who 
performs  wonders  in  the  South  ;  and  at  length 
goes  himfclf  for  Virginia,  leaving  the  remainder 
of  his   armv  at  White-Plains,  with  fo  much  ad- 


27 

drefs  as  to  cover  his  intentions  from  the  enemy. 
The  capture  of  Lord  Cornwallis  and  his  army 
clofed  the  military  operations,  and  peace  enfued,. 

The  time  for  difbanding  the   army  arrived— 
and  now  arrived  the  mighty  trial  of  patriotic  vir- 
tue.    Talk  not  of  a  Casfar !  He  was  brave,  but 
would  have  enflaved  his   country.     Say  not  that 
an   Alexander    conquered  from   Macedonia   to 
Egypt !  He  never  conquered  himfelf.    He  delug- 
ed countries  in  blood,  but  faved  none;  and  wept 
becaufe   his   ambition   was  not  yet  fatiated  with 
conqueft. — It  is  left  for  a  Washington  to  give 
the   nobleft  example   of  virtue,  of  religionjt  of 
greatnefs.     He  conquered  for  his  country.     He 
triumphed  in  their  afFeftions,  and  at  their  feet  he 
laid  his  hard-earned  laurels.     Like  the  illuftri- 
ous  Roman,    Lucius  Quintus   Cincinnatus,    he 
"  laid  down,  in  peace,  arms  affumed  for  public 
*'  defence." 

Nor  were  the  energies  of  his  talents  lefs  fit- 
ted to  our  fituation  in  peace,  than  to  our  exi- 
gencies in  war:  and  this  fingular  adaptation  of 
talents  to  circumftances,  proved  an  eminent 
bleffing  to  the  United  States. 

The  Hero  and  Deliverer  of  his  country,  hav- 
ing reftored  to  it  that  tranquility  which  he  fo 
much  loved  himfelf,  returns   to  enjoy  it  with  a 

t  See  note  (N)  in  the  Appendix. 


28 

greater  rclifh  on  his  own  domain.  He  is  every 
where  received  with  a  tribute  of  applaufe  ;  eve- 
ry heart  beats  high  with  admiration,  and  every 
tongue  is  vocal  in  his  praifc.  The  peaceful 
fliades  of  domeftic  life  were  now  doubly  wel- 
come to  him.  In  the  cultivation  of  the  earth, 
and  various  ufeful  improvements,  he  made  rap- 
id progrefs.  Happy  would  he  have  been,  if  the 
calls  of  the  public  had  fullered  the  remainder 
of  his  days  to  glide  away  in  this  repofe.  But 
when  the  prefTure  of  common  danger  was  at  an 
end,  the  weaknefs  of  the  federal  government 
was  more  fully  perceived.  The  rare  phaenome- 
non  of  a  political  revolution  is  now  to  be  ac- 
complifhed  by  deliberative  affembly.  The  con- 
vention of  the  States  for  framing  a  new  confti- 
tution  of  government,  place  their  late  Com- 
mander in  Chief  in  the  chair  of  (late.  His  known 
and  tried  patriotifm,  and  his  eminent  fervices  to 
his  country,  gave  weight  to  his  opinion  in  their 
deliberations,  and  contributed  in  no  fmall  de- 
gree to  the  formation  and  adoption  of  the  ad- 
mirable fyftem  of  federal  government  we  now 
enjoy,  and  greatly  promoted  the  tranquility  and 
the  energy  of  its  operation. 

Twice  called  by  the  unanimous  voice  of  his 
country  to  adminillcr  the  government  he  had 
been  fo  cffcntial  an  agent  in  cftablifliing,  he  fuf- 
jaincd  the  high  ftation  of  Prrfidcnt  of  the  United 


States^  with  unbounded  applaufe,  during  eight 
years.  The  confcioufnefs  of  his  own  integrity, 
like  a  brazen  helmet,  warded  off  the  Ihafts  of 
envy  ;  and  he  remained  ftedfaft  in  purfuit  of  an 
enlightened  and  pacific  policy,*  amidft  the  furgcs 
of  difcontented  faftion  and  foreign  influence, 
like  a  huge  rock  in  the  ocean,  unmoved  by  the 
dafhing  of  its  raging  billows.  Having  ferved 
the  public  forty-five  years,  and  nature  claiming 
repofe,  he  exprelTes  his  earneft  wifh  to  retire  from 
public  life,  in  an  addrefs,  which  ought  to  form 
the  political  creed  of  every  fon  and  daughter  of 
the  land.  Americans !  how  venerable  this  Le- 
giflator,  Leader  and  Commander  appears,  in  this 
valediQory  addrefs,  can  be  perceived  only  by 
reading  it  again  and  again. 

But  his  repefe  is  not  long  to  remain  undifturb- 
ed.  The  will  of  his  country  is  his  own  will; 
her  exigencies  impofe  an  obligation  upon  him, 
which  he  cannot  refill.  He  obeys  her  call,  un- 
der the  threatening  profpeBs  of  war  from  abroad, 
and  greatly  accepts  the  appointment  of  Lieuten- 
ant-General of  the  forces  to  be  raifed  for  fuch 
emergencies.  Happily,  no  fuch  event  has  arriv- 
ed. But  the  morning  lowrs,  and  rapidly  brings 
on  the  important  period  that  is  to  terminate  his 
glorious  career — Ah  me  !  Washington  is  no 
more  !    On  the  14th  of  December  laft,  he  met 

*  See  note  (0)  in  tht  Affendlx, 


30 

death  with  the  fame  fortitude  that  had  marked 
his  life,  in  the  fixty-eighth  year  of  his  age. 

MY  RESPECTED  FRIENDS  OF  THE  CINCINNATI, 

To  tbefe  imperfeft  lineaments  of  the  charafter 
of  the  illuftrious  man  who  led  you  to  viQory,  to 
glory  and  freedom,  your  knowledge  can  add 
many  more.  Often  have  you  braved  the  dan- 
gers of  the  field,  and  the  hard  (hips  of  the  camp, 
in  obedience  to  his  command.  Your  obedience 
was  always  cheerful,  becaufe  impofed  by  duty 
and  aflfe^ion.  Your  dangers  and  fufFerings  were 
always  ameliorated  by  the  example  of  your  Gen- 
eral voluntarily  fharing  them  with  you.  You, 
Gentlemen,  have  a  double  fharc  in  the  common 
tffliQion  occafioncd  by  his  death.  He  was  your 
beloved  Co7nmander  in  Chief.  He  was  your  vene^ 
rated  Prefi  dent -General  The  befl  evidence  of 
your  profound  refpe6l  for  his  memory,  and  your 
beft  improvement  of  this  mournful  occafion,  will 
be  to  prcferve  in  your  minds  his  amiable  and  ex- 
cellent virtues  as  a  model  for  condu£i  in  peace, 
as  you  did  his  example  of  fortitude  in  war.  May 
your  life,  like  his,  be  virtuous  ;  and  may  its  end, 
like  liiSjbe  triumphant  and  happy. 

MY  LITTLE  CHIU)REN,  AND  YOUNG  FRIENDS, 

Thoug}!  you  may  never  liavc  feen  the  perfon 
of  our  beloved  Washington,  yet  you  have 
often  heard  his    name,  and  of  the  good  he  has 


iL 

done  ;  and  you  arc  now  enjoying  the  fruit  of 
his  labours,  in  the  opportunity  you  enjoy  for  in- 
flruftion.*  He  was  once  young,  as  you  now  arc ; 
and  when  young  he  was  diligent  in  learning, 
and  amiable  in  conduft;  and  when  old  he  reap- 
ed the  fruits  of  fober  youth.  He  was  beloved  by 
all;  he  was  virtuous;  he  was  happy.  We  ven- 
erate his  memory  now  he  is  gone,  becaufe  he 
was  as  good  as  he  was  great.  Let  his  name  be 
ever  dear  to  you,  and  never  fpeak,  never  think 
of  him  but  with  gratitude,  refpe6l  and  afFeftion. 

MY  FRIENDS  AND  AFFLICTED  FELLGW-CITIZENS, 

This  day  has  brought  with  it  frefh  teftimonies 
of  our  lofs— a  nation  in  tears  !  It  opens  new 
fources  of  grief,  by  prcfenting  the  millions  of  his 
fons  affembled  around  the  hearfc,  to  take  the  laft 
look  of  their  parent,  to  pay  one  more  tribute  of 
refpeQ,  to  drop  another  tear  of  gratitude  and  af- 
fedion  for  their  departed  Washington. 

While  we  deplore  an  event  thathas  deprived 
our  country  of  its  grcateft  ornament,  and  of  its 
beft  "  weapon  of  war,"  let  us  offer  up  our  molt 
unfeigned  thanks  to  the  Supreme  Difpofer  of  all 
events,  for  the  continuance  of  fo  diftinguifhed 
a  bleffing  to  us  for  fo  long  a  time;  and  that  he 
would  be  pleafed  to  afford  divine  confolation  and 
fupport  to  his   mourning  relift.     While  we   rc- 

*  See  n$te  (P)  in  ti/e  AtperJix. 


il 

count  his  virtues,  let  us  profit  by  them  ;  and  as 
we  fee  the  higheft  and  the  lowcft,  the  wifcft  and 
the  weakeft  of  our  race,  falling  with  equal  fa- 
cility before  the  fell  ravagcr  of  mankind,  let  ug 
pafs  our  time  ufefuUy  and  profitably,  that  we 
may  leave  the  favour  of  a  good  example  behind, 
and  that  the  morn  of  eternal  day  may  beam  un- 
clouded upon  us. 


APPENDIX. 


fAj  Page  5.   "  We  delayed  not  to  lament  the  eventful  crlfis.'* 

ON  the  23d  of  December,  the  affli£ting  news  of  General  W a  s  h  i  n  c  t  o  n  's 
death  reached  this  town.  The  author  of  the  foregoing  difcourle  would 
have  deemed  himlelf  deficient  in  duty  and  in  patriotifm,  in  omitting  the  car- 
lieft  opportunity  to  pay  his  fmall  tribute  of  refpcdl  to  the  memory  of  fo  much 
worth ;  which  he  attempted,  in  an  appropriate  difcourfe,  on  the  following  fab- 
bath  ;  i.  copy  of  which  was  rec^ucRed  for  the  prefs ;  but  the  publication  was 
omitted  on  account  of  the  appointment  of  the  ili  of  February  for  commem- 
orating that  event  through  the  United  States.  The  pulpit,  the  communion- 
table and  the  orcheftre,  Ihrouded  with  black  ;  the  cyprefs  bows  and  feltoons 
over  the  chancel  and  the  Venetian  window,  and  around  the  columns  and  the 
urns,  and  the  emblematical  mourning  piece  in  front  of  the  defk,  fhcwed  the 
prompt  feelings  of  the  congregation  on  the  occalion. 

fBJ  Pagt  6.     "  In  Rome,  badges  of  mourning." 

It  is  related,  that  on  the  death  of  C  r  nci  n'Natus,  the  ladies  of  Rome 
■wore  the  cyprefs  twelve  months  ;  and  alfo  for  Brutus  the  younger. 

fCj  Page   12,     "  The  elevated  lawn." 

At  the  bottom  of  the  elevated  lawn,  on  the  banks  of  the  Potomack,  is 
placed  the  family  vault,  where  the  mortal  remains  of  our  great  Washing- 
ton were  depofited. 

fDJ  Page  I  5.     "  He  never  lofl:  the  refpe£l  of  the  fon." 

Hearing  of  the  dangerous  illnefs  of  his  mother,  in  the  fpring  of  eighty-fevcrt, 
he  immediately  tepaired  to  her,  and  left  her  not  till  fhe  expired.  His  allidu- 
ous  and  reJpedful  attentions,  which  were  the  refult  of  fentiment  and  habit, 
were  fpoken  of  much  to  his  honour.  He  came  from  her  interment  to  Phila- 
delphia, to  the  convention  for  forming  the  prefent  conftitution,  where  the 
Author  faw  the  lines  of  forrow  that  deeply  marked  his  countenance. 

f^J  Page  16,     **  The  able  negociator." 

About  the  age  of  21,  he  was  fent  by  the  governor  of  Virginia  to  treat  witJi 
the  Six  Nations  and  other  weftern  Indians,  at  the  diftance  0/400  miles,  in  the 
dead  of  winter,  through  a  pathlefs  wildernefs,  inhabited  only  by  favagcs  ;  and 
to  remonftrate  to  the  French  commander  on  the  Ohio  againft  their  encroach- 
ments. This  enterprize  he  performed  on  foot,  with  his  provifion  on  his  back. 
For  the  judicious  and  able  management  of  th'S  bufincfs,  he  received  the  approba- 
tion and  thanks  of  his  employers  ;  and  two  years  afterwards,  he  performed  that 
great  military  exploit  of  reicuing  the  fhattered  remains  of  General  Brad- 
dock's  army  from  the  horrid  jaws  of  a  favage  ambulc;idc,  of  the  danger  of 
which  he  had  notified  that  unfortunate  General.  Though  a  very  confpicuoui 
mark  for  the  favage  markfmcn,  he  orily  received  a  ball  through  his  coat. 

(^Fj   Page  :6.     "Strong  proofs  of  his  piety." 

Though  his  inviting  the  Rev.  Mr.  Davis  to  perform  rdlgitiuj  ftrvice, 
and  deliver  a  difaourfc  to  the  body  of  men  he  had  the  command  of  as  major,  at 


11 

the  age  of  aboutsz,  on  a  very  importiot  etpedition,  was  no  ccrUin  evidence  of 
piety  in  itfelfk  yet  all  his  other  coodu^,  both  in  the  public  and  private  walka 
of  life,  corrcfponding  thereto,  affords  a  ftrong  proof  of  it  ;  and  that  gentleman, 
who  permitted  the  above  difcourfe  to  be  publilhed,  has  the  following  remarkable 
potr,  dirtated,  no  doubt,  by  the  remarkable  military  talents  he  had  already  dif- 
covercd  :---"  This  young  nun,"  meaning  Major  Waihinctok,  "  will  one 
day  be  the  fiviour  of  his  country." 

fG)  Page  i-^,     "  Called  Mount-Vernon." 

Thii  high  an«i  commaading  ground,  fituated  a  few  miles  below  Alexandria^ 
•n  the  Potomack,  is  called  Mount-Vernon,  in  honour  of  Admiral  Vcinon. 
The  area  of  this  beautiful  mount  is  about  aoo  feet  above  the  furf;ice  of  that 
richly  flowing  river  ;  and  furnilhing  a  lawn  of  about  five  acres  in  front,  and 
about  the  lame  quantity  in  the  xti,x  of  his  buildings,  falls  off  abruptly  on  both 
thafe  quarters. 

fH)  Pa^t  19.     "The  rcfpeaful  gratulations  of." 

As  though  infpired  by  one  foul,  all  hailed  him  welcome  on  the  way  ;  public 
entertainments  were  made  to  receive  him  at  every  ftage  ;  and  the  Maffachu. 
fetts  Convention,  then  fitting  at  Watertown,  fent  a  large  deputation  of  rcfpeft- 
able  ch.^ra^ters  to  Springfield,  to  receive  and  efcort  him  to  Cambridge,  where 
he  was  received  with  incxpreffible  joy,  and  where  he  foon  gave  anew  face  to  things. 

fl)  Page  21.    "The  irrcfiftiblo  majcfly  of  his  prcfcncc." 

Among  many  other  inftances  of  the  commanding  inf\fience  of  his  prefeftcc, 
and  energy  of  his  reproofs,  a  very  noticeable  one  wac  at  Profpeft-Hill,  where  a 
body  of  riflemen  became  mutinous.  Thcfe  men  had  then  lately  arrived  frora 
his  own  country,  which  probably  increafcd  his  indignation  at  their  bafe  conduct. 
1  If  rode  into  the  midit  of  them,  and  by  the  energy  of  his  addrefi  quelled  and  re« 
duccd  them  to  order. 

fKJ  Page  21.     "  And  from  the  affaflin's  dagger." 

Among  many  other  dangers  out  af  which  he  was  remarkably  delivered,  z 
timely  difcovery  was  made  in  New-York,  in  1776,  of  a  deftgn  formed  agamft  hit 
life,  by  corrupting  one  of  his  own  guard. 

fLj  Page  ai.     "  Heaven  fmilcs." 

Bv  throwing  into  our  hinds  the  ammunition  and  military  (lores  fent  to  fupply 
the  eurmv,  which  wc  fo  much  needed  at  that  time,  and  were  not  in  our  power 
to  command. 

fMj  Page  35.  "  ThcdKlrclTcs  of  the  army  at  this  canton- 
mcnt,  had  well  nigh  funk." 
General  W  ^  <  h  1  k  c  t o  n  look  this  pofiiion  in  a  forcft,  at  Valley-  Forge,  about 
the  14th  ot  IVccmber,  1777,  the  fnow  being  about  halflc^  deep,  with  very  few 
axes  to  build  thrir  huts  with.  This  cantonment  General  How  i  called,  by  way 
nf  ridicule,  "  the  Indian-Town."  It  was  fufficicnt,  however,  to  keep  him  qui- 
et within  hi";  j^wn  lines,  in  Philadelphia,  though  the  army  was  in  an  extreme 
ftatc  of  fuffrring,  for  want  of  provifion  and  doathing.  So  great  were  their  dif- 
trelTcs,  that  Gfneral  Washi  KCTON'  perhapt  never  felt  deeper  anxiety  than  on 
their  account.  Being  on  a  vifit  at  head-quarters,  he  enquired  with  great  folicitndc 
bow  the  fcldiery  fared,  and  how  they  fupported  their  fufftringi ;  and  when  told« 


35 

"'  with  patience   and  fortitude, "  he  exclaimed,  the  tears  ftarting  from  Lis  eyes, 
"  zuiat  tuil/  not  thefe  irat'e  men  en  Jure  for  the  good  of  their  country  /" 

(N)  Page  27.  "  Example  of  virtue,  of  religion." 

In  proof  of  this,  many  things  might  be  adduced.  The  frugality  and  econo- 
my of  a  table  fupplied  by  the  public  ;  the  order,  fobrietyand  moderation  everob- 
ferved  at  it,  are  evincive  of  virtuous  habits,  and  of  the  influence  of  his  prefence 
in  reftraining  profanity,  intemperance  and  licentioufnefs  ;  for  thefe  never  pol- 
luted the  focial  repaft,  nor  offended  the  chafteft  car.  His  religious  example 
(hone  in  uniformly  acknowledging  an  overruling  Providence,  afcribjng  all  his 
iucceffes  to  that,  and  in  calling  on  the  army  "  to  affemble  at  their  refpedlivc 
parades,  to  offer  up  their  unfeigned  thanks  to  Almighty  God,  for  the  fuccefj  he 
had  granted  them  ;"  befidcs  his  attendance  at  public  worlhip  on  the  fabbath, 
whenever  the  ftate  of  the  army  permitted,  with  great  apparent  devotion.  To 
the  above  may  be  added,  his  frequently  calling  on  the  officers  and  foldicrs,  in  gene- 
ral orders,  to  avoid  vice  and  profanity.  Of  the  many  inftancesof  this,  the  tw*. 
iollowing  are  offered  : 

Extract  from   General   Orders,  Msy  2d,  1778. 
"While  we  are  performing  the  duty  of  good  citizens  and  foldiers,  we  ought 
BOt  to  be  inattentive  to   the  higher  duties  of  religion.     To  the  diftinguifhed  char- 
adtcrofa  patriot,  it  fhould  be  our  highcll  glory  to  add  the  more  diftinguifhed 
charadler  of  a  chrifiian. ' ' 

Extract  from  General  Orders,  fuly  igtb,  1779. 
♦•  Many  and  pointed  orders  have  been  iflfued  againft  that  unmeaning  and  abomi- 
nable cuftom  of  fwearing  ;  notwithflanding  which,  with  much  regret,  the  Gen- 
eral obferves  it  prevails,  if  poffible,  more  than  ever  ;  his  feelings  are  continual- 
ly wounded  by  the  oaths  and  imprecations  of  the  foldiers,  whenever  he  is  ia 
hearing  of  them.  The  name  of  that  Being,  from  whofe  bountiful  goodnefs  we 
arc  permitted  to  exift,  and  enjoy  the  comforts  of  life,  is  conftantly  imprecated 
and  profaned,  in  a  manner  as  wanton  as  it  is  fhocking.  For  the  fake,  therefore, 
of  religion,  decency  and  order,  the  General  hopes  and  trulls  that  officers  of  every 
rank  will  ufe  their  influence  and  authority  to  check  a  vice  which  is  as  unprofita- 
ble as  it  iswickei  and  fhameful." 

He  was  a  flranger  to  religious  prejudices,  not  from  an  indifference  toreligio^ 
itfelf,  but  from  a  convidion  of  the  benevolent  defigns  of  that  fcheme  of  religion, 
which  taught  him  to  live  and  aft  as  a  chrifiian,  poffefling  the  feelings  of  a  man, 
and  not  of  a  party.  He  was  educated  in  the  outward  profeflTion  of  the  E pi fcopal 
Church  ;  but  his  candour  towards  all  religious  denominations  was  manifellcd  on 
all  occafions.     His  anfwer  to  the  addrefs  wf  the  Jews  at  Newport,  will  remain 

a  lafting  monument  of  this "And  it  is  the  glory  of  the  United  States,  that, 

with  the  flar  of  empire,  fixed  therein  is  the  brighter  fun  of  univerfal  toleration." 

(0)  Page  29.    "  An  enlightened  and  pacific  policy." 

Thz  Prefident  of  the  United  States  rofe  with  fuperior  grace  when  he  noblv 
flood  forth  the  indepf^ndent  affjjrtor  of  their  independence,  and  took  a  neutral 
pofition  among  the  nations  at  wat.  Convinced  that  juftice  and  humanity  requir- 
ed it,  no  apprehcnfioa  of  pcrfonal  facritice  could  fhake  his  fixed  purpolc. 

(Pj  Page  31.  *'  The  opportunity  you  enjoy  for  inftruftion." 

To  any  one  who  was  prcfcnt,  and  favv  the  ipterefting  and  affcdling  exhibition 
of  180  young  mafters  and  miffcs,  with  appropriate  drefl"es,  emblematical  of  inno- 
cence and  of  mourning,  no  apology  is  necefTary  for  this  addrefs.  Nor  will  it  ap- 
pear improper  to  any  who  confidcr  the  importance  of  the  rifing  generation  ;  or 
the  advantages  th:y  ?njoy  from  the  freedom  of  their  country,  through  its  dcccafcd 
patron. 


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